Christmastide 2021/2022 - 2nd Day of Christmas: Books of the Day

 Sunday, December 26, 2021

 

Pulled a couple of old favorites off the shelf today. One was 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore which I've heard just about every year since I was born. The poem is also known as "A Visit from St. Nicholas" and "The Night Before Christmas." It was originally published anonymously as "Account of A Visit from St. Nicholas" in 1823. Clement C. Moore is said to have claimed authorship in 1837. The poem is often credited as responsible for the modern conception of Santa Claus in the United States and much of the world. The edition I read today is a reproduction of the version with illustrations by Jessie Willcox Smith which appeared in 1912. I obtained my copy of this rendition at the gift shop from the Alexander Ramsey House in St. Paul. Noel and I took a tour of the house of the former Minnesota politician two or three years ago. 

The second book I revisited is Santa Mouse by Michael Brown with illustrations by Elfrieda de Witt. This story didn't appear until a 146 years after 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. I had this book as a little boy and reading it now brings back early Christmas memories of me in my room at the house on Stevens at Christmas time. It's about a lonely little mouse who befriends Santa Claus after selflessly giving a gift to the jolly old elf. My original copy of the book is long gone but about 20 years ago I spotted a copy at Barnes & Noble and snapped it up for the sake of nostalgia. One of my favorites. 

Santa Mouse

Mom used to read Santa Mouse by Mark Brown to Sam, Pete, and me. With charming illustrations by Elfrieda De Witt, it's the story of a lonely mouse who leaves a special gift for Santa Clause and is rewarded for his kindness. The book is copyrighted 1966. 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Book

Some families read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas every year during the holidays. We read How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1957). I remember my youngest brother Pete absolutely loving it. He referred to roast beef as roast 'beast' for years. Mom actually still calls it this!

Many years later Pete and I, as adults, visited the Dayton's (now Macy's) department store Grinch holiday display in the eighth floor auditorium of the downtown Dayton's Minneapolis store. The story was just as enchanting as adults as it was when we were kids.

I love the message of the story that although the trimmings and trappings are nice, Christmas means a whole lot more.